If you’re looking for a fun day of entertainment and exploration, this mile-and-a-half section of Historic Route 66 offers plenty of options. In its entire length, this iconic route was once the main artery connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, bringing travelers from all over to experience Southwestern culture.
However, this stretch of road in the heart of Albuquerque is home to several popular destinations for locals and visitors. Spend a day here, and you’ll discover some plants, animals, art, artifacts, and culture that make Albuquerque such a fun and exciting place.
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and Aquarium
The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and Aquarium provides a beautiful balance of outdoor adventure and indoor wonder. A stroll through the Botanic Garden lets you glimpse botanic marvels from near and faraway lands while exploring more than 1.5 miles of paths through formal and whimsical gardens. With 13 exhibits, including the Sasebo Japanese Garden and BUGarium, the Botanic Garden offers enjoyable and colorful scenery designed to delight the senses.
The Aquarium is a comfortable climate-controlled space where you can journey from the Rio Grande to the Gulf of Mexico, visiting aquatic animals and vegetation. The famous trio of North American River Otters — Chaos, Mayhem, and Dixon — greet visitors with their coy smiles and impressive tails. Exhibits ranging from the Atlantic Coral Reef to the South Pacific Gallery acquaint visitors with more than 9,800 underwater creatures, some of which are vulnerable species. You might want to plan your lunch at the SharkTank Café and then head to the Shark Tank to watch the daily feeding.
Welcome to Albuquerque, the vibrant heart of New Mexico! Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse community, Albuquerque offers a unique blend of Southwestern charm and modern amenities.
Visit cabq.gov/artsculture for many great resources to help guide your journey through the City of Albuquerque.
cabq.gov/artsculture
505-768-2000
Story sponsored by the
City of Albuquerque Department of Arts & Culture
Historic Old Town
Less than a six-minute drive, or 15-minute walk, east on Central, you’ll find yourself in historic Old Town. Old Town is not only home to more than 150 stores and galleries, quiet hidden patios, and winding brick paths but also home to Albuquerque’s “museum district.” With three museums (four if you add in the quirky Rattlesnake Museum on San Felipe St.) within walking distance, there’s something in Old Town to satisfy the most curious minds.
Visit the Albuquerque Museum to view permanent art and history collections, world-class traveling exhibitions, and community-curated exhibits. The museum, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, has the highest national recognition afforded by the nation’s museums.
Across the street and down Mountain Rd. are Explora and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science for those craving more hands-on experience. Explora has over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The Natural History Museum preserves and interprets our state’s distinctive natural and scientific heritage through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs.
When visiting Old Town, enjoy dinner at one of several eateries and then head over to the gazebo to enjoy live, local entertainment during summer weekends.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Route 66, or the Mother Road!
